Formula Indie Sessions _ Interview with James O Thomason

What is your earliest memory connected to music?
I grew up with a guitar always lying around the house and the encouragement and support of my parents, who helped my brothers and me set up regular lounge room jams. I used to plug my bass directly into the record player’s speakers—until we discovered that wasn’t going to be sustainable!

How did your passion for creating music begin?
My earliest songs were written when I was maybe 15 or 16 years old—simple poems or two-liners using the three or four chords I could play on a guitar. I was really interested in American bluegrass and country music; it felt so exotic for an Australian surfer boy.

What’s the story behind your current music project?
The current project was really about finishing off some ideas and recreating previous studio fails. I took my time with this recording—almost two years—because I had rushed through some earlier projects. I wanted to have no regrets this time.

How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
I’d describe it as an Australian songwriter with a warped idea of what country/folk music should sound like.I really like Leonard Cohen , Dylan , they shaped my writing in that I guess lyrics are the most important . 

What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?
My philosophy has always remained the same: there’s magic and beauty in simplicity. I believe the heart and soul of the message are important—there’s no need to overcomplicate that.

What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?
I’ve been lucky to work with Brevity of Motion studios in Beijing, where I always pushed Brad, the recording engineer to take more risks and live up to my George Martin fantasies. In the early days, it was just a guitar and whatever recording device was available at the time. 

Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?
I’ve been really into Kurt Vile over the years; he showed me that my vibe was possible. Recently, I discovered Bill Callahan—his art and lyrics are fantastic, and he takes music out of the box. It’s so much fun to listen to!

How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?
I was never a great guitarist; I grew up playing bass. I loved early blues and folk artists because it was all so  seemingly simple.The message was always the thing that carried the music.  I’ve recently thought that being honest, genuine, and vulnerable is perhaps the new “punk” in today’s world.

What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?
I hope to convey honesty and the courage to be open and vulnerable. I also want to share good vibes. My interest in yoga and meditation sometimes influences my music, creating a calming atmosphere,  when I sit with a guitar or philosophize over lyrics.

What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?
Music brings people together. I’ve made so many friends on this musical path. I’ve also learned that the most important audience is yourself—if I love listening to my music, that’s what matters most. Maybe my million dollars will come another way.

What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?
I’d love to play a gig somewhere memorable, like on a boat floating down a river or on a train rolling through the night. I’m not sure my vibe could handle a big festival I prefer somewhere chill and quirky , an art gallery perhaps 

If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
For a long time, George Harrison has been my idol. I love listening to his demos most of all, and I think we could vibe together. I also think George understood how to write a song balancing the simple with the profound. 

Where can our listeners follow and support your music?
You can find me on Spotify and follow me on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/james_o_thomason?igsh=OHZhZnFwam80NnY2&utm_source=qr

Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?
My biggest fear is that once I’ve recorded my songs, that no new ones will come on  through the ether. I hope to continue  to build on this songwriting thing, living a life that inspires me and creates more songs—I hope I can write my masterpiece , even if I’m 90 years old. !

What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?
I hope listeners can see my growth, authenticity, and good vibes.